---

F2000: Bezerra Still Improving, Transfers to Miami

5 March 1998

FAIRFIELD, N.J.: Thiago Bezerra, of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, continues to improve after sustaining a severe brain injury January 24 at the Walt Disney World Speedway, and has been moved to Jackson Memorial Hospital, in Miami, to continue his rehabilitation.

Bezerra, who spent the last month in the Orlando Regional Medical Center, has made considerable progress over the past week.

"He is definitely getting better," said neurosurgeon Dr. Richard Douglas. "He now has meaningful movements with his left hand, such as rubbing his face, ears and yawning. He has been holding hands with his family and follows people around the room with his eyes. It's still pretty early in his recovery, but we're encouraged with his progress."

Bezerra, 20, suffered a diffuse brain injury due to rotational acceleration/deceleration (rapid stop) when his car struck the wall on lap 40 of the 50-lap race.